The Bylund Clinic

In this deeply practical and steadying episode of The Bylund Podcast, Danielle Morales, Licensed Educational Psychologist, sits down with Elizabeth Perry, Speech and Language Pathologist, founder and director of Speech Therapy and Accent Group (STAG) in the East Bay, for a conversation every parent navigating speech, language, autism, or school-based services deserves to hear. Liz brings rare expe...

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Kait Feriante, CEO and co-founder of Redwood Literacy, for a practical and deeply grounded conversation on supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences. Drawing from her experience as both an educator and a parent of a child with dyslexia, Kait shares how Redwood Literacy was built to address a major...

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we’re joined by Anya Ashouri, M.S., CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist specializing in assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Anya shares her professional journey into the world of assistive technology (AT) and helps parents understand how these tools are thoughtfully evaluated and implemented across school setti...

A Parent's Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) In this episode, we sit down with Maria Gregory, LEP and Guy Hernandez, LMFT of TheraTree Community for a nuanced, clinically grounded conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—also referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy—and what this profile can look like in real children, families, and schools. For parents who may be e...

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, we sit down with Damien B. Troutman, Senior Associate at the Leigh Law Group, to explore the complex and often overwhelming process of limited conservatorships. Damien brings years of experience working in employment law, special education law, disciplinary matters such as suspensions and expulsions, as well as disability law, Regional Center advocacy,...

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast , Dr. James Bylund talks with Alex Basche, LMFT , a leading therapist specializing in technology addiction and digital overuse. Together they explore how to distinguish heavy screen use from true addiction, why neurodivergent youth (ADHD, autism) often engage with gaming differently, and what evidence-based strategies can help families restore balance....

In this episode of  The Bylund Clinic Podcast , we take on a topic that leaves many parents feeling stuck: understanding the real difference between Intellectual Disability (ID) and Specific Learning Disability (SLD). These labels carry important implications for how schools provide support—but they’re not always applied accurately. We break down what IQ scores really measure, what adaptive functi...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into screen dependency , exploring why children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or depression may be more susceptible and how to intervene when screen use starts impacting daily life. We break down: ✔️ Signs of screen dependency – when tech use interferes with academics, relationships, and emotional well-being. ✔️ Why neurodiverse kids rely more on screens –...

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for parents, but with the right advocate, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Christina Maehr, a renowned special education advocate, to explore how parents can effectively navigate special education systems and secure the best services for their children with disabilities. Christina shares her personal journey—...

Managing screen time can feel overwhelming, especially with ever-changing recommendations and evolving technology. In our latest episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, listen as we break down practical, research-based strategies to help you navigate screen use at home.  What We Cover: How to set healthy screen time limits without constant battles Signs of problematic screen use and when to seek sup...

In this episode of The Bylund Clinic Podcast, Dr. James Bylund sits down with Sean McCormick, founder of EF Specialists, to explore the essential role of executive functioning (EF) in a child’s academic and personal success.  Executive functioning includes critical life skills like organization, time management, task initiation, and self-regulation—skills that many children, particularly those wit...

In this  Bylund Clinic Podcast  episode, Dr. Bylund and Ms. Morales take a deep dive into the science behind screen dependency in kids and its far-reaching effects on their mental, emotional, and academic development. This is Part 1 of a  series on screen time, designed to help parents understand the hidden mechanisms at play and provide evidence-based insights for raising healthy, balanced kids i...

Episode 6: What Parents Need to Know About Clinical vs. Educational Autism Criteria In this episode, we explore the important distinctions and overlaps between clinical diagnoses of autism and eligibility criteria for services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). We’ll discuss California's 2014 regulatory updates aimed at better aligning clinical and educational criteria a...

Writing difficulties are one of the most visible challenges students face, and for parents, this can be a major source of concern, especially when the root cause isn't immediately clear. This episode breaks down what dysgraphia is, the different ways it can manifest, and how parents can best support their child through assessment, intervention, and accommodations. In this episode, we’ll cover:...

Welcome to Episode 4 with Dr. James Bylund and Danielle Morales of The Bylund Clinic! Dyslexia is a complex reading disorder, and many parents feel uncertain about diagnosis, intervention, and support. This episode covers what dyslexia is, how it differs from other reading challenges, and why accurate diagnosis matters. We’ll discuss structured literacy, choosing effective reading programs, advoca...

Navigating educational supports for students with disabilities can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the distinctions between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). In this episode, we break down the key differences to help parents and educators make informed decisions for students' needs. An IEP provides specialized instruction tailored to students whose...

IEP meetings can feel overwhelming, emotional, and confusing, especially when parents are sitting across from a large school team, hearing unfamiliar terms, and being asked to make important decisions about their child’s education. In this episode, Dr. James Bylund and Danielle Morales discuss how parents can prepare for difficult IEP meetings both emotionally and practically. They talk about why...

In this podcast episode, Dr. James Bylund and Danielle Morales of The Bylund Clinic discuss Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) and why parents might request them when school district assessments fall short. They explain how to choose a qualified, independent provider and outline what to expect during the IEE process, including a thorough review of records and individualized assessments. Dr...